Online Auctions and the Law

Essay by happy_bubblesUniversity, Bachelor'sA+, October 2006

download word file, 7 pages 0.0

Does any country have the right to attempt to censor other countries' Internet information? Does the any government have the right to dictate what companies in other countries put online? If a United States company violates an international law in one country, can that government impose sanctions on that company until the US company complies with their laws? Though the questions can be complicated, the answers are simple, no! The only countries that can enforce international Internet laws are the country whose is in violation of the law.

Many people believe that restrictions placed on United States companies by foreign governments is a violation of the first Amendment of the United States Constitution. The first amendment guarantees the freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly and the right to petition the government for the redress of grievances, ratified with the Bill of Rights in 1791. Freedom of the Press is described as "The right to publish and distribute one's thoughts and views without governmental restriction as guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S.

Constitution" and Freedom of Speech is defined as "The right guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to express one's thoughts and views without governmental restrictions" (Findlaw.com). The US Constitution does not protect United States companies' rights to sell whatever materials they choose.

More and more people are turning to online auctions in hopes of finding top-notch goods at fire-sale prices or making a few bucks off the unwanted items collecting dust in their garages. At online auction sites, you can sell and bid upon just about anything under the sun -- antiques and collectibles, computer equipment, stun guns, clothing, jewelry, furniture, memorabilia, and a host of other goods-- all from the comfort of your computer. Though there are several online auction sites, the...